Punctuation

Here are the general rules for when to use a comma with which: Place a comma before which if it is introducing a nonrestrictive phrase. Do not place a comma before which if it is part of a prepositional phrase like “in which.” Do not place a comma before which if… continue reading

Let’s answer the question: “do you put a comma before “because?”  The short answer is when because connects two clauses in a sentence, you don’t need a comma. Because is a subordinating conjunction. It connects a subordinate clause with an independent clause. There should not be a comma between… continue reading

Sometimes too is used with a comma, and sometimes it is not. Both can be correct. Using a comma actually depends on the intention of the writer. The comma adds an emphasis. A comma should also be used before too if there is an abrupt shift in thought. When too is… continue reading

Quotation marks show that those words are being spoken. They are used a lot in dialogue in fiction writing. Dialogue is words spoken by characters. Quotation marks are always in pairs, with the first set opening the quote and the second set closing the quote.… continue reading

Let’s talk about introductory elements in sentences and how to punctuate them. To start, there are two types of introductions: an introductory phrase and an introductory clause.  Introductory Clause An introductory clause is a dependent clause that helps introduce or give background information for the… continue reading

Updated October 2022: Let’s face it, punctuation is not easy. For example, do you need a comma with the phrase such as? Well, the answer is… sometimes. Place a comma in front of such as only if you’re using it as part of a nonrestrictive… continue reading

You should not use a comma in front of while when you mean “during the same time.” You should use a comma in front of while when you mean “whereas” or “although.” When the word while is used as a conjunction, it has two meanings. One meaning is related to time.… continue reading